Escape winter at these top sunshine destinations

Tired of winter already (even though it technically hasn’t even started yet)? We feel you. Fortunately, there is an abundance of top sunshine destinations around the world – read about them below, and hopefully, you’ll figure out where you’ll be sitting out at least part of the coldest season in the calendar.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Those in the United States and Canada have fallen in love with the beaches and people of the Mayan Riviera over the years, and it is not hard to see why. With bleach white sand, aquamarine water, and delightfully cool cenotes, this corner of Mexico has become immensely popular for all the right reasons.

There are several major centres where most visitors go – each has its own personality. Cancun is well-loved by party people, while Tulum is preferred by backpackers. Playa del Carmen is the happy medium between these two extremes, as it has enough clubs to keep the youngsters happy while providing a mix of accommodations to satisfy every budget.

From endless beaches north and south of town to attractions like Xcaret and Rio Secreto being mere minutes outside city limits, there are plenty of ways to have a good time in this corner of the Mayan Riviera.

During the wet season, though, the rains can put a damper on your fun if you let it. If this happens to you, don’t let it ruin your day – jump online and seek out some gaming excitement (click here to find out more). From roulette to craps to video poker, you may even make money in the time it takes for the sun to come out again.

Mauritius

Looking for something a bit more exotic this winter? Go on a fabulous adventure to the other side of the globe – choose Mauritius. With a multicultural population, dreamy beaches along its coast, and an interior dense with jungle, it is a world unto itself.

Don’t miss Ile aux Cerfs, a small island just off Mauritius which is likely home to one of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen, nor Flic en Flac, which is home to an authentic fishing village in addition to having an amazing beach of its own.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

There are many places you can go in Costa Rica on holiday, but if you are looking to spoil yourself the entire time, Tamarindo is one of the best spots to base yourself. Located in Guanacaste Province, it has a beach which stands out above the many outstanding specimens in this part of the country.

With consistent surf washing in from the Pacific most of the time, it is a popular haven for surfers – even if you aren’t, it is fun to watch the masters of this sport work their magic. This town is directly across the river from a national park – to explore it, take a ride across it on a skiff captained by locals; don’t forget to pack sunscreen, as there is little natural shade!

Koh Chang, Thailand

Feel like sampling a taste of Asia this year? Instead of following the masses to the Gulf Islands or Phuket in Thailand, head east to Koh Chang.

85% of the island is protected as a national park, meaning its mountainous centre is home to mostly intact jungle. It also places restrictions on the sort of developments which can be built here, making Koh Chang much less busy than its neighbours to the south.

There is much to do here: from snorkelling/diving off the coast to climbing its highest peak (744 metres), active travellers will be happy, while partiers will love the scene they’ll find at Lonely Beach.